Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood and looked down one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, ...... I shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

After many, many months of trying to love finally got L'Instant de Guerlain pour Homme EdP - because I find that its stronger scent of cocoa and wood outweighs a certain sourness in the EdT's anise-lemony top. This is pastis, pastilla and pushy patchouli! (The latter in a dose that only leaves the arm after two or three showers...) But yes, it's a great scent, I admit it! And gosh, what a bottle. It's collectible alone for that.

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

tomm by tommy hilfiger. woah this sutff has serious sillage i kid you not. i left the room after applying 5 sprays, come back half an hour later and can still smell it. im gonna wear this for at least the next week.

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

Morning pre-shower testing...

Miller Harris Vetiver Bourbon--aromatic, herbal, rooty, grassy. I get a bit of a fennel or anise blast, and at first it smells curry-like, but it quickly turns to a more minty anise root smell that blends well with the developing vetiver and some lavender notes. This is listed as a masculine in the directory, and I'd have to agree. It seems to me like a vetiver fougere--strong, penetrating herbal aromatic with a deep vetiver base.

Annick Goutal Vetiver--floral, fresh, has a "water" note without seeming aquatic, could be melon. The vetiver isn't too much up front at first, but I can smell it in the base as an herbal note. It also has a slight fennel/anise root note. This is classified as a masculine, but it is quite a bit softer than the Miller Harris, at least in the beginning. It is not as fresh or refreshing as the citrus top notes in Guerlain Vetiver, but the watery melon and light floral top notes make this a much gentler fragrance than the Miller Harris or other powerhouse vetivers like MPG Route du Vetiver.

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

Floris Vetiver (from a decant - I'm trying to decide if it's FBW now that it will be discontinued in Jan 09. The verdict? Absolutely FBW under the circumstances. If it weren't being cut from the lineup I'd probably wait on buying it, but now it will go to the top of my bottle-purchase list. It's a great, earthy and distinct vetiver with a light citrus background and slight soapiness. Overall I'd say it might be my favorite vetiver, perhaps barely above Chanel Sycomore.

BTW, am I not the only one who just loves Mr.G's Guerlain photos? That 490ml 68 next to the 500ml Imperiale bee bottle is just gorgeous.

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

Winter Delice (Aqua Allegoria) by Guerlain

It's a crisp, cool and beautiful morning here in Miami. Going to have brunch at an upscale mall in Bal Harbour with my man - of course, I'll stroll on over to Neimans and/or Saks and see what there is to smell. Meanwhile my SOTD is swirling all around me. I smell like the holidays.

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

More testing...

Serge Lutens Vetiver Oriental--I am not as bowled over in this 2nd wearing. The start reminds me of Douce Amere, but VO has no sweet vanilla that I can detect. It is a bit gourmand, seems like patchouli and florals with the sharpness of vetiver mixed in. This is definitely not a vetiver prominent scent. I think if Lancome Hypnose were made a bit drier and more grownup, it would smell like VO. Also, it gets an ammonia note in the drydown that I didn't notice before--not a plus for me.

Bulgari Jasmine Noir--sharp powder that is both astringent and sweet, penetrating synthetic jasmine note, soap. The powder note is almost stifling. It has been a long time since I smelled Tom Ford Black Orchid, but JN seems to imitate this in feeling, only with jasmine.

Re: SotD - Sunday, 9 November 08

This morning I ran some errands and picked up stuff to make a beef stew (that's in the crock pot right now). I had an itch for CREED Original Vetiver - it'd been a while since I wore it last. I really love that stuff. After a quick shower, I've been at my office all afternoon working on some freelance designs.. last minute decision was for CoSTUME NATIONAL Scent Intense. I'd been holding off on buying a bottle of this, but once that sample is gone, I don't think I'll be able to hold out.